Helmets and Ebikes – What You Need To know

All helmets sold in the U.S. must meet specific safety standards for impact protection. Helmets and Ebikes are well connected to each other. Make sure you wear a helmet that is appropriate for the riding you do, fits properly, and is also worn correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use, and care of your lid, including when to replace the helmet (always after an accident even if there isn’t any visible damage).

But buying a helmet isn’t only about meeting minimum safety standards. There are a few key aspects to consider when it’s time to shop for a lid. 

Know what kind of riding you want to do. 

There isn’t a law that says commuters can’t wear mountain bike helmets, and roadies can’t wear commuter helmets. (Remember, any helmet is safer than no helmet.) But manufacturers do design each helmet with an intended purpose—a commuter helmet may have features you may appreciate when biking to work (built-in lights, for example), and road helmets will have features that roadies appreciate (weight savings, plenty of vents, aerodynamic shape). Narrow your search to match the helmet with your type of riding. 

Make sure the helmet fits. 

The most expensive helmet loaded with the latest safety tech won’t do much good if it doesn’t fit your head properly (or isn’t worn properly). Use a flexible tape measure to find your head circumference, wrapping it around your head one inch above your eyebrows, then match that circumference to the helmet size guidelines.

What is a MIPS rating for a helmets?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, which is a leading slip-plane technology inside the helmet designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. Moreover, MIPS has been developed by leading brain surgeons and scientists to reduce the rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts on the head.

MIPS uses a slip-plane system that moves inside the helmet, mimicking the brain’s own protection system. This layer is designed to rotate inside the helmet with the intent to potentially slow or reduce the amount of energy transferred to or from the head. Science tells us that if we can reduce the strains associated with rotational acceleration, we might reduce the risk and severity of brain injury.

A MIPS-equipped helmet looks almost identical to a non-MIPS-equipped helmet except when you look inside, you will see a thin yellow liner beneath the pads. From the outside, the only indicator that the helmet is any different from one without MIPS is that some brands have a small yellow MIPS logo on there. You won’t even feel a difference when wearing a MIPS-equipped helmet.